David W. Allvin

David W. Allvin is a general in the United States Air Force who serves as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. A career pilot and strategist, he has held key command and staff positions across U.S. Transportation Command, the Joint Staff, and NATO headquarters. His appointment to the service's highest uniformed office followed a distinguished tenure as the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Early life and education

David W. Allvin was born on December 3, 1963, in Palo Alto, California. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1986, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, now part of the National Defense University. His early academic and professional development was further shaped by attendance at the Air Command and Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College.

Military career

Commissioned through the United States Air Force Academy, Allvin began his career as a pilot, flying the C-141 Starlifter and later the C-17 Globemaster III. He served in a variety of operational assignments, including as a commander at the 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) at Scott Air Force Base. His staff assignments have been extensive, including roles on the Joint Staff within the Pentagon and as a strategic planner for the United States European Command. He commanded the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center and later served as the Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy at United States Transportation Command. Prior to becoming Vice Chief, he served as the Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and as the Allied Air Command Commander for NATO, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base.

Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force

Nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate, Allvin was sworn in as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force on November 2, 2023. He succeeded General Charles Q. Brown Jr., who became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this role, Allvin serves as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is the principal military advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall III, and the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. His strategic focus areas include advancing the Air Force Future Operating Concept, integrating Joint All-Domain Command and Control, and modernizing the force's nuclear triad, which includes the B-21 Raider, GBSD, and Long Range Standoff Weapon.

Awards and decorations

General Allvin's personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and two awards of the Legion of Merit. He has also been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), and the Aerial Achievement Medal. His service in combat zones during the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War is recognized by the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. He also wears the Combat Readiness Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal for service with the International Security Assistance Force.

Personal life

General Allvin is married and has two children. His spouse has been actively involved in military family support programs throughout his career. In his limited personal time, he is an avid reader of military history and enjoys outdoor activities. His career has involved numerous assignments across the United States and in Europe, including lengthy postings in Germany and Belgium.

Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:United States Air Force generals Category:Chiefs of Staff of the United States Air Force Category:United States Air Force Academy alumni Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Category:People from Palo Alto, California